Leila "Topsy" Fugate Kinker

Leila was the daughter of Susan McBrayer & Clinton "Jim Bob" Fugate, granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin and Myrtle White McBrayer.

Word was just received this morning (2/10/2011) of the death of Leila Fugate Kinker from Jim and Dorcus McBrayer. The information came to them from Jim Fugate, the brother to Leila. At this time we do not know the time and place of the services, but it is reported they will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011, in Titusville, FL.

In an email sent to Jim McBrayer, Jim Fugate related the following: "I got a call early this morning that my sister Leila Kinker ("Topsy") of Titusville, FL died. She was diagnosed some time back with leukemia and lung cancer and a doctor told the family there was nothing he could do. Some of you have known her health condition and have prayed for her and we thank you. Not long ago she called me and requested that I play for the memorial service and I said I would. I do know that the service will be on Saturday, February 19 but I do not know time, place but assume it will be at her church. I will make flight arrangements when I hear those details. She was a Christian lady and her family --two grown sons and daughter with grandsons--all lived in Titusville."

"The family will appreciate continued prayers as they make arrangements and adjustments."

Jim (Fugate)

Leila Kinker Titusville Leila Kinker died February 10, 2011. She was born in Morehead, KY and was proud of coming from the Masonic Home in Louisville, KY. She attended Morehead State College and was a member of the first graduating class of UCF with a degree in Education. She was a part of the first teaching staff at Astronaut High School in Titusville, retiring in 1996 and was instrumental in the formation of the Brevard Teachers Union. She was a member of the Indian River City United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Charles Kinker, whom she met at Goodyear Atomic Plant in Ohio; two sisters, Peggy Glasscock and Dot Schweinsburg both of Ohio; one brother, JimBob Fugate of West Virginia; two sons, Charles Kinker and Larry Kinker both of Titusville; daughter, Ellen Bridges; and three grand children, Tommy, Travis and Tyler Bridges all of Titusville. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 pm Tuesday at Indian River City United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of St. Francis. Online condolences may be made at www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com.

Published in FLORIDA TODAY on February 13, 2011

(Obituary provided by Jim and Dorcus McBrayer)